Ep. 71: How to use a VOR in an Airplane | Flying Navigation

[@maxcorder2211]

As a student pilot in the Air Force, I was on my instrument check ride in the T-37, a small twin engine jet with side by side seating. I had a hood on that obstructed my exterior vision. My instructor told me to proceed to a particular airport. I looked up the information, dialed in the frequency and set up my VOR to fly to the destination (just as illustrated in the video). As I overflew the airport (a From indication on the VOR) the instructor told me to remove the hood and look out. I had overflown the wrong airport. What happened? There were two different airports a few miles apart. The VOR frequencies were one click of the dial different. I had mis-dialed the frequency when setting up. What had I failed to do? The rule is “tune and identify”, and you identify by listening to the airport Morse Code identifier. So that’s why the military teaches Morse Code to pilots. An age-old system in modern airplanes. I failed the check ride and passed the re-check. And learned a lesson that it’s the little things that can bite you.

[@midknight_flight2902]

Finally, a correct explanation with correct terminology.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Feel free to check out our site for more info! fly8ma.com

[@philm]

My thoughts exactly getting tired of those other self appointed experts not even knowing that it's called a CDI

[@richardgraham65]

I have struggled getting my head around VOR navigation, I have watched hour after hour of KZbin videos of people supposedly explaining how easy it is, within 5 minutes of watching your video, it became clear in a way that not one of the other "Pilots" were able to communicate. Thank you for this excellent and UNDERSTANDABLE explanation of VOR navigation, you accomplished in 5 minutes what others could not do in 5 hours!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Really glad to hear it all helps out! Thanks for watching and be sure to share our new site with your friends on Facebook and around the airport! www.fly8ma.com/

[@trinityclassiccars]

Very helpful but enough with the 'go ahead' every second breath please!!!!

[@j3koenig]

I second that. This is the most useful explanation of vors I've come across. Thank you for putting this together

[@charlesbecker3470]

This was the best VOR video I have seen also, there are some out there that claim they have the "easiest" way to learn VOR, all they do is confuse you.

[@aviator6547]

preplaned comments

[@coolranchluke]

Single most useful VOR explanation I've ever seen. THANK YOU

[@truckproam.2218]

It’s crazy to be struggling with something one minute and have it all make prefect sense the next. There’s nothing like the feeling of that “click” in your brain when you finally understand something you’ve struggled with for so long. Thanks bro.

[@natthawatketsupha4846]

Your VOR navigation explanation is excellent and UNDERSTANDABLE, it makes my study a lot easier, Thank you!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Thanks! Check out videos on www.fly8ma.com

[@redicanprime1181]

I gotta rinse and repeat this to get that muscle memory. Thanks!

[@LalaRanj1]

I spend the whole day going through all presentations, I didn't get anything.. 20 min vid. it's Crystal CLEAR ... Brilliant

[@justinmolina4557]

By far this is the best VOR instruction I have found. Finally makes sense to me.

[@argueallday]

By far the best explanation of simple VOR use in the plane. Crystal clear.

[@nicholaspolce4591]

Like many others here have commented, I was struggling wrapping my head around VOR navigation. Watching training videos and reading up on the subject helped give me a basic understanding but this short, extremely well done video really helped me get where I need to be. Thanks so much! I’m excited to go back through the other content you have posted and future content coming out!

[@Jim_Radio]

This video will help me to understand about VOR, I will watch it over and over and then try it on my flight simluator. Thank you for sharing it.Have a save flight everyone.

[@PedroThePortuguesePilot]

So far the best explanation I’ve found on KZbin! Thanks for the video bud

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

I appreciate that!

[@robwhite2282]

Thanks Jon. This vid is one of the best VOR instruction vids on KZbin.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

I'm happy to hear it helped ya!

[@nuttincowboy9430]

Dude! I'm dyslexic and you just saved me from years of head banging at 14:00 on this vid.! THANK YOU! Rod Machado's got nuttin' on ya.. ;) (Y)

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

haha, Thanks! Glad it helps!

[@martjosephaltre9329]

Thank you I finally get now, I've been finding how to use vor and the vids I found was hard but yours was easy so thank you

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Glad you found this helpful Mart!! If you're interested in some more courses check out our website where we have more awesome articles and videos! www.fly8ma.com

[@pauldayonghuang9284]

This is the best explain of VOR I found so far. Thank you!

[@tedmason219]

Terrific graphs that create an image in your mind's eye for what needs to happen to get a VOR heading. Very helpful video. Well done.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@arun040479]

AMAZING EXPLANATION!! THANKS A LOOOTTTTTTT.

[@AL-ui2gh]

You nailed it at explaining To and From functions! I wish I found your vid 3 hours ago. Thank you !

[@ryancross4645]

This is by far the best VOR video I have seen on KZbin. Thank you so much for explaining this concept so well.

[@fredsmith5224]

Great video Positive sensing and Negative sensing great explanation.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Thanks Fred, I'm glad it helped!

[@rafaberr.rodriguez1303]

It took me a few replays to get the idea of positive and negative sensing but it was worth it. Thanks for a beautifully explained lesson on VOR nav.

[@R.B.S789]

it was good explanation the best teaching method first i was confused but then at last when you repeat it it was clear thanks!!!

[@Stringbean421]

Really great tutorial. Not a real pilot myself but very useful for learning to fly using VOR navigation in flight simulator.

[@MichelleGHeld]

Thank you for this video. SUPER helpful and you really explain it well!

[@embecmom5863]

this is the best vor nav Ive seen thanks...

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Happy to help!!

[@flintsardog]

well done,!! your graphics work great to assist in understanding

[@joem5110]

Thank you! I was confused on the to and from radials but you explained it right and now I understand. Thanks again.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

I'm glad it helped!

[@phoonjzc]

From means that the radio waves are hitting you. To means that you are going towards it.

[@petermckeown1583]

Great presentation!

[@deanmiller294]

Josh - thank you for the excellent tutorial. I learned so much in this 20 minutes. I went on my discovery flight last week and this was the most perplexing aspect of my flight. I still have lots to learn but you gave me confidence I can acquire the necessary skills with vor to aide me in my journey. You guys are very much appreciated !!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Congrats on the discovery flight! Good luck with training and check out some of our other playlists to help you through getting your license!

[@saiajin82]

WOW, excellent explanation, I finally understand VOR. THANKS

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Glad it helped!

[@189wolfy]

I was totally able to follow along with your tutorial! My 19 y/o son is completing his PPL soon and I'm trying to understand some concepts before I fly with him in a few weeks. I don't want to be completely useless in the right seat :-)

[@FijiTheLad]

Why not just let em have a good thing, why do you have to try and act like you know planes, let alone VOR usage😂 Just gonna get em lost

[@orlandoamaral]

Fantastic explanation about VOR navigation. Love it.

[@TrinityOaksFarm]

You do an excellent job with making a difficult subject understandable, simple and effective.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Much appreciated!

[@yahwada]

Excellent presentation...clear and well expressed. Thanks

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Happy that it helped!

[@eddieberry8450]

Great explanation! I continually struggle with this.

[@worldtravel101]

You make this pretty easy to understand. Several others have tried covering this topic, but yours is the best IMHO.

[@Gazika1984]

thanks guys! I finally understood how the VOR works!great job!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Glad it helps! Be sure to share us with your friends on FaceBook and around the airport!

[@thegeek3348]

this is great. my instructor told me something like radial is to and bearing is from VOR... this video really helped. i'm going to to use x-plane to practice it, so I'm ready for the check ride and cross countries.

[@OrrTrigger013]

Excellent explanation! Simple

[@pappybo49]

Good job 👍! I used a VOR in a long time and this is a really great refresher. Thanks 🙏

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

I'm glad it helped ya!

[@chrislacey6036]

I stumbled upon your videos the other day as I prep for my check ride. I just wanted to say, your videos are amazingly well explained, and easy to understand. I absolutely did not understand VOR naviation at all prior to this video. Now I understand it no problem. You got a subscribe to me. It's also nice that you use references I am used to since I fly out of Fort Myers. Thanks again!

[@joaodib4126]

Very very nicely taught!!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

I'm glad it helped!!

[@stuartw969]

This is totally EXCELLENT. Thanks!

[@mopar3502001]

Thanks for putting these videos up, really helps with IFR!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Glad it helps! Be sure to share us with your friends on FaceBook and around the airport!

[@Stericdesign]

Awesome video and very well explained!! Thank you

[@presentacioncampos6592]

Very good!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Feel free to share it around a bit!

[@HerrWacher]

Great tutorial!!

[@dondoswell3113]

bearing to the station and radial from the station

[@anamericanview]

You have an excellent teaching technique that makes it very easy to follow what you are doing and saying. Great Job!!

[@WtfTSR]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I was completely lost when my instructor explained it to me today but with your video, it made so much more sense!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

I'm glad it helped!! Good luck!

[@countlessmansions7735]

I am a little confused, in 8:30 the needle seems to be to the left at this time and it is stated " as the needle is to our left we will go left to get to the station and as the needle is to our right we will go right to get to the station" then we proceeded to go right when the needle was pointing to the left... would you be able to help me understand what I am missing in this concept? thank you so much! I am enjoying the detail you are putting into this.

[@georgemad4145]

Thank you sir I finally understood how to fly like that 10/10

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Always happy to help!

[@graemed-g522]

This information is so excellent, thank you, and as has been pointed out, the VOR stations are in the process of being turned off with it sounds like only 39 to remain across America by 2020. GPS is changing how we do things and I think the reliability of the system has proved itself for enough years. No doubt it will completely simplify how people fly, speak the flight plan and the plane will go that way... a lot more people might get into flying if it were easier to navigate.

[@folknarongrit]

This is really good for someone who's extremely confused from watching hours of other videos! Are all your other IFR training videos like this? I'd like to join

[@abbieamavi]

My first VOR lesson tomorrow, thanks for this video! :)

[@mmstraker3]

Thanks for this great tutorial, certainly going to help with my VOR training.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Glad it helps! Safe Flying!

[@Skyrunner13]

Excellent tutorial.

[@dickjohnson4268]

VOR = Very Old man's Radio range. Even with the advent and implementation of high zoot glass in the airliners, a lot of us still used the ND single and double needles enroute to keep our RMI and ADF chops up. Old school stuff, but a skill we were glad to have kept up. "Well, I just use PROG page three to let me know where I am." Okay... so where are you? Lost or confused? As for me, both.

[@robwhite2282]

Thank you Jon!

[@timypaul]

Thanks for this video

[@Hungariansausage7766]

nice video, thank you :P

[@jbernate]

Your videos are great! Quick question, which software did you use for this one? It would be great to play with it for training. Thanks!

[@kevindorr5829]

You Are Awesome my friend. Thanks to you, I will now get my instrument rating...

[@braydensandau4828]

Scrolled through the comments a bit and couldn’t find any info, what tool is this?? It would be great to practice vor theory with whatever is being used in the video

[@toddwoods582]

Did this today....but also had to determine a checkpoint using the intersection of two VOR's. Do you have a video on that?

[@carlosbrites8201]

Very Thank"s you.-

[@stephendonahue9764]

Great explaination! Thankyou

[@xSensu]

Thank you so much for this amazing explanation. I watched several videos before I got to this one. I started flying in Flight Sim 2020 and they dont explain the VOR hardly at all, so I had to go searching how to use it. Your video made me understand how to use it in 20 minutes where others spent hours only to confuse me more. I am curious, what program are you using right there, is it available to the public for practice as well?

[@copperwopper]

I love you 😭😭❤️ thanks so much

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

I'm glad it helped!!

[@vinnyhendrix1683]

Correct me if I’m wrong but At 10:01 aren’t you on the 090 course to the station? You keep saying you’re on the 270 radial. Once you get station passage, and the TO arrow flips to the FROM indication, only then are you on the 270 radial.

[@davidindovina694]

You've got it backwards; don't confuse radials with heading. Radials are based on the station and don't ever change. Think of them as lines or roads in the sky. If you're on the "270 radial", its just like being on "Broadway" but it does not tell you what way you're going, just that you are on that imaginary line that runs between an imaginary point (far far away) due west of the station and the station itself. When you have a "To" flag, it is not indicating what radial you are on (because the radials are named based on the position FROM the station), but rather what HEADING you need to fly to get TO the station. So if you need to fly a 090 heading to get TO the station, you have to fly East, which means you must be due West of the station. Remember the name of that imaginary street due west of the station is the 270 radial. Therefore, once he crosses over the station, his "090 TO" indication switches to a "FROM" indication because he is now on the 090 RADIAL. He flew along the 270 radial until he crossed over the station and then found himself on the 090 radial because he never changed his heading. Remember, the name of the radial changed because radials are named based on the station (and therefore don't change and are totally independent of where your plane is or what direction it is flying), so now he is flying along the imaginary line (named the 090 radial) running between the station and some imaginary point due East of the station. At this point, he could twist the dial to get a TO indication and would see the HEADING that he needs to fly to get to the station would be a 270 heading (he would have to be able to spin around on a dime and head in the exact opposite direction with a 270 heading along the 090 radial to get back to the station). Hopefully this helps. In all, if you have a FROM indication and the needle is centered, it tells you what imaginary line you are on compared to the station (no information on which direction you're flying). If you have a TO indication and the needle is centered, it tells you what heading to fly to get back to the station. In this video he does this a couple times because by the time you get the plane flying that heading you're probably a bit off course and need to refine the heading again to more accurate point the plane in the direction of the station.

[@vinnyhendrix1683]

@@davidindovina694 I get it now. Thank you for this detailed response.

[@oystercatcher943]

Really good explanation. I think I’ve got it then fail to get the Cessna autopilot in X-Plane to fly the right way. I think it’s a subtlety of also needing to set the HDG bug as well as using using the CDI to control the AP. Will keep trying.

[@tm-uz7md]

Use this video up to 6:35 to draw a line on a map that goes thru the VOR (the plane is somewhere on that line). Do that again but for a different VOR. The plane's location is where the two lines intersect.

[@kfrench5760]

Thank you!!!

[@wanderlust6419]

very clearly explained!! thanks!!!

[@kjsfhgfh676]

You made it very simple and easy to understand. Thank you for that (y)

[@apbeers]

Great video

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Thanks!!

[@albertestrada69]

Very clear explanation. Thanks!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Glad it helps! Share us with your friends on facebook and around the airport! Check out the new site at www.fly8ma.com !

[@paulcrooks4467]

Finally got it it . This is after using Embry and Riddle materials.

[@jasongourley6105]

Thanks very much for this!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Glad it helps! Fly safe out there and share our site with your aviation friends!

[@artwright3128]

What simulator are r u using and how are you getting the VOR sound?

[@gregoryhill5222]

👍 Thanks guy

[@92348fyi]

Incredibly helpful!! Thank you for providing these videos!

[@fntsmk]

THANK YOU!

[@PursuitMode2011]

Nice tutorial

[@garrettwilson4347]

Thanks👌

[@ivanrodrigues2936]

What is this software used in the video?

[@chrisjavier1767]

Thank you!

[@AFancyMason]

Love your videos so much. You have the best presentation and speaking voice. Could you please do a video related to the AGI test. I’m still a student pilot but getting ready for my AGI/FOI so I can make some extra money! Thanks sooo much and keep up the awesome work!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

The CFI / FOI / AGI course will be launching this summer on the site! Keep an eye out!

[@YuriShubenin]

thx for the video. what software you used for the demonstration?

[@DrunkHog]

Was about to ask that. I wanna know, too. Looks similar in graphics to stuff skytest uses. EXCEPT it actually feels like a mini simulator.

[@Nobs-o5x]

Hey John, what does VOR stand for? What does OBS stand for? What is CVI???? None of your video's define the acronyms you use.

[@helicoptersrkool]

I'm not a pilot but the moment I started making a concious effort to ALWAYS remember the difference between a Bearing (to) and Radial (from) is when it clicked for me. I think a lot of people (myself included) get/got confused when trying to visualize where they are in relation to the VOR because they always think radials pointing outwards (From) the VOR centre. They don't make the effort to immideitely look at or visualize what the opposite reciprocal (To) bearing is in their head. Even if you're a few degrees off it's still good to know. They spend too much time looking at the heading number above the tip of the radial arrow when away from the VOR station eg: after getting the frequency, they'll start turning turning the OBS spinning back and forth until it centres, depending on which way they turn may first line up with radial (From) showing say 090. (This is the point where they should quickly avert their gaze to the reciprocal heading on the opposite side which would show 270 while still turning the needle (To) VOR bearing. When they see the bearing heading number coming around they will know exactly when to slow down turning the OBS and will know when the needle will centre even before the needle lines up and not waste time adjusting if you were turning it too quickly. I sometimes turn the plane onto the bearing early, line up then go back to the VOR OBS and adjust until the needle is lined up depending if I know I'm close a VOR station. You sometimes have to readjust your heading a few degrees because of this or because of wind.

[@salehalharbi6778]

Really thanks so much

[@MeaHeaR]

What is be Link to thiss practice APP

[@cherfieldm]

Nice, good tutorial.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Glad it helps! Fly Safe!

[@marshallhyasi6213]

Great video !!!

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

Thanks! Glad it helps!

[@joelmulder]

It’s so obvious when it finally clicks

[@pisymbol]

I know this video is old but why is your needle left of 90 degrees instead of right when you are tracking the 90 radial TO? If it's positive sensing, you should follow the needle, right? But instead you are doing quite the opposite.Is that because they want you to join the 90 TO from the present heading? EDIT: Ah, 90 radial FROM so its reverse sensing since you put it on TO. I think it would have been better if you put it on 90 FROM so the needle would have been positive sensing and would have showed to go to the RIGHT from the 270 TO.

[@natasha236]

Hi, great video, what app do you use?